Researchers at the North Carolina State University developed a 'Vomiting Machine' which is capable of studying how Norovirus spreads. Norovirus, also known as winter vomiting bug in the United Kingdom, is the most common cause of viral gastroenteritis.

The research by the North Carolina State University has been published in journal PLOS ONE under the name, 'Aerosolization of a Human Norovirus Surrogate, Bacteriophage MS2, during Stimulated Vomiting'.

Dr. Ben Chapman, an associate professor and food safety Extension specialist at NC State, said the published research indicated that the newly invented machine is 'no longer not just for parties'. Tests should be conducted to ensure the 'Vomiting Machine' was scaled properly, according to Chapman.

Matt Shipman, university pitchman, said, "The vomiting machine looks like a glorified air compressor with a grotesque clay face. The vomiting machine does exactly what you think it does".

Every year, about 21 million individuals in America get infected with Norovirus. The virus can affect people of all ages, but it poses a deadly threat to elders. While talking about the new machine, the NC State food science professor, Lee-Ann Jaykus, said the machine may look odd, but it could provide help in understanding the disease that make may people sick every year.

The machine consists a tube that look similar to throat. According to the researchers, it is designed to push out liquids and semi-liquids. The machine follows the same method to eject the vomit that people do when they vomit.